Traditional Boats & Tall Ships Magazine

New Pro Softshell Jacket from Gill

Those of you planning on braving the British winter will be interested in the new jacket from Gill: the Pro Softshell Jacket has been designed with the look and feel of a true racing outer shell with a soft and supple handle – hence the term Softshell.  It has the versatility to be worn in a full-on race environment – or just as easily as a great looking deck coat. 

An active cut, durable Micro-Grid rip-stop fabric that is waterproof and highly breathable, and a lightweight laminated micro-fleece lining provide a jacket that has a really low profile feel and stunning sporty design that will look right at home at any Grand Prix sailing event.

Additional features include adjustable cuffs, a drop tail hem with an inner drawcord, zipped fleece-lined outer pockets and an internal pocket for keeping essential items secure.  A snip at £125! 

For further information, drop Gill a line on +44 (0)115 946 0844, email them here or have a look at their website. 

Three new exciting hat designs have been added to the Gill range – Chunky Knit Beanie, Stripey Knit Beanie and the Women’s Knit Beanie.  Which is pretty cool.  Made from a 50% acrylic/50% wool knitted outer with a windproof and breathable laminated fleece, they also feature a headband lining that keeps the head warm and comfortable.  The laminated lining reduces heat loss by preventing wind chill - while still allowing moisture to wick quickly away from the surface of the skin.  In short, the fleece section provides a cosy barrier over the forehead and ears.  All three hats are available in a range of colours and sizes, and they seem pretty good value at only 18 bucks. 

New Shield sunglasses to be worn over prescription glasses

Those clever people at Gill are introducing Shield sunglasses – the first floatable and polarized over-glasses for sailors who wear prescription glasses.  Designed to be worn over prescription frames, Gill Shield sunglasses provide 100% protection against harmful UVA and UVB light.  Polarized lenses give glare-free vision when out on the water - the lenses are scratch resistant, have an oleo-phobic surface to prevent fingerprints and smudges adhering to the lens and a Flash-Reflect treatment that reflects bright light away and helps to hide your prescription eyewear.  The frames are made from lightweight Grilamid TR90 and include cushioned pads in areas where the glasses could come into contact with the spectacles.  A snip at £35, especially as the additional buoyancy inserted in the frame allows the glasses to float should you drop them overboard.  Which I do.  Often.  I've been wearing specs since I was seven - and these look the business to me. 

For further information, please contact Gill directly at Manor House Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1LR, UK - give them a tinkle on +44 (0)115 946 0844 or drop them an email: enquiries@gilluk.com

New Gill technical apparel headwear

The sailors amongst you will be interested in the latest additions to the Gill range of Technical Apparel - two high UV-protection hats.  The Gill Technical Sailing Cap is a low profile cap specifically designed for sailing.  Providing an ultraviolet protection factor of 50+, the cap considerably reduces the effect of dangerous UVB light to the scalp, forehead and eyes.  It is a close-fitting design with an elasticated Velcro adjustment to keep the hat secure – there is also a loop for fitting a retainer cord, just in case!  For extra protection, the Gill Technical Sailing Sun Hat, which also has a UPF of over 50, is great for keeping the sun out of the eyes and off the neck.  As with the cap, the wide-brimmed hat also has a loop for a retainer cord to prevent it going overboard.  Both hats have a water resistant finish and are quick drying, breathable and fast wicking to prevent the head from becoming clammy. 

For further information, please contact: Gill, Manor House Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1LR, United Kingdom.  You can call on +44 (0)115 946 0844 or email enquiries@gilluk.com